Highway Patrol identified the driver as 54-year-old Jonas Oliver Speare of Florida. He was driving a semi for Abilene Motor Express from Conyers, Georgia to Manassas, Virginia.

The Highway Patrol said Speare was going east on I-40/85 and drifted into the right lanes before hitting an overhead highway pole.

Investigators shut down two of the lanes after a diesel fuel spill. The NCDOT says crews are repairing damage that happened to the overhead signage pole, and they will be inspecting the sign to make sure it isn't a safety hazard. Highway Patrol says once that repair has been made, the towing company will be able to remove the tractor-trailer.

Master Trooper Brandon Baker says it could be late Tuesday night before all four lanes are reopened.